On April 25, Pinwheel Place partnered with Mercy Center for a powerful community event recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, bringing together public officials, nonprofit leaders, advocates, and community members at Mercy Center’s new Asbury Park facility. Speakers, including Kim Guadagno, Luanne Peterpaul, and Pinwheel Place Board Chair Carol Delia emphasized the importance of collaboration, wraparound support services, and building a strong “village” of care for vulnerable families. A particularly moving moment came when volunteer and congressional candidate Rachel Peace shared her personal journey from surviving child abuse to becoming a passionate advocate for children and families in crisis, reinforcing the event’s message of hope, resilience, and community support. 
 

On April 25, Pinwheel Place partnered with Mercy Center for a meaningful community event recognizing Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Held at Mercy Center’s new facility in Asbury Park, the gathering brought together public officials, nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and advocates committed to supporting survivors of sexual violence and preventing child abuse through education, awareness, and access to vital community resources.
 

The evening opened with welcoming remarks from Mercy Center President & CEO Kim Guadagno, who emphasized the importance of collaboration and community support. Assemblywoman Luanne Peterpaul spoke passionately about the need to create a “village” of care around struggling families, highlighting how strong community connections can help prevent crises before they occur. Representatives from the Prosecutor’s Office reinforced that message by sharing information about the wraparound services available to families facing difficult circumstances.
 

Representing Pinwheel Place, Board Chair Carol Delia spoke about this year’s CAP Month theme, “Pinwheels for Possibility,” reminding attendees that Pinwheel Place remains the only center in New Jersey where families in crisis can turn for immediate support in a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free environment for their children.
 

One of the day’s most moving moments came from Pinwheel Place volunteer and Congressional candidate Rachel Peace, who shared her deeply personal journey from surviving child abuse to becoming a dedicated community advocate and public servant. Her courage, honesty, and resilience left a lasting impact on everyone in attendance.
 

The event fostered valuable new relationships and strengthened existing partnerships among organizations dedicated to serving vulnerable families throughout the community. Pinwheel Place is deeply grateful for the growing village of support that continues to stand beside the children and families we serve every day.